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Council Agenda Preview – June 5, 2018

04 Monday Jun 2018

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There are a number of items on this week’s Parry Sound Council Meeting Agenda. The full agenda with attachments can be accessed at the Town’s website. Here are a few items that caught my attention followed by a list of the agenda items from this week’s meeting agenda.

Closed Session c)– the Town continues to acquire properties for reasons unknown.

9.1.1– Pumper Truck Purchase for about $550K all in. I guess we need what we need.

9.2.2– Splash Pad. It looks as though any splash pad that is built will be located at Waubuno Beach. This seems to be the right place for it. There was some earlier discussion that the future of any splash pad would be co-located with an aquatic recreation centre. The pad, if constructed, would be located close to the beach in the corner between the parking lot and the road leading to the boat launch.

9.2.3– Lakeland Holdings Share Allocation Adjustment. The Town’s shareholding in Lakeland increases from 13.5% to 15.57% with the new generating plant coming online. And from what I understand the new plant was built on time and on budget.

9.3.1– 2019 Budget Schedule. Things will be delayed a month or so with a new council to be elected in October. The full schedule is available in the meeting agenda package.

On a separate note, the new metal roof on the Stockey Centre looks pretty sharp.

Closed Meeting Agenda Items

  1. c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes; (Property Purchase)
  2. e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Property Matter)
  3. j) educating or training council members and no member shall discuss or deal with any matter in a way that materially advances the business of the Council. (Potential National Event)

Deputations

5.1– Edith Paulus. Backyard flooding since the blasting for the building of the new School on Gibson Street, 2016

5.2– Daryl McMurray, PS Downtown Business Association. Newly adopted Strategic Plan for the Downtown.

5.3– Chris McDonald, Erin Cardy, Sound Splash Pad co-chairs. Update on their progress, current situation, and future goals with regard to the development of a Splash Pad facility at Waubuno Beach in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1– Recommended Supplier for 2019 Fire Department Pumper Rescue. Resolution. That the Council for the Town of Parry Sound award the purchase of the 2019 Fire Department Pumper Rescue to Dependable Emergency Vehicles in the amount of $522,888.00 +HST inclusive of the trade in value of $27,000 for the current 1998 GMC Rescue and the 2000 Metalfab Pumper; and Further that Council authorize discretionary additional funding of $30,000 for possible additions to the vehicle which may be prudent upon factors identified in the Pre-Build meeting with Dependable Emergency Vehicles.

9.1.2– EMS Paramedic Response Unit. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee through the approved EMS budget that the Council of the Town of Parry Sound approve the bid from Bayview in the amount of $36,400.00 +taxes for the supply of a 2018 Pickup Truck.

9.2.1– Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Exterior Building Sign. Resolution. That Council accepts the only proposal received for the Exterior Building Sign Request for Proposals from Sign City Inc., for the Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall of Fame in the amount of $3250 + HST.

9.2.2– Splash Pad – Response to request for location. Resolution. That Council designate space at Waubuno Beach for future development of a Splash Pad as identified on Attachment #1.

9.2.3– Lakeland Holdings Share Allocation Adjustment. Resolution. That the Mayor and CAO be authorized to sign the Lakeland Holdings Ltd. Subscription of Common Shares resolution, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.3.1– 2019 Budget Team Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the 2019 Budgeting Schedule as set out in the attached Schedule “A”.

9.3.2– Purchasing of Budgeting Software Questica. Resolution. That Council authorizes to purchase the budgeting software Questica at approximately $37,000 of one-time cost and $3,000 of annual license and maintenance fee; That Council approves withdrawals from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve for the unbudgeted $27,000 to implement the software; and That conditions of the Procurement Policy By-law are waived.

9.4.1– Stone Pillar Gatepost Rebuild – Hillcrest Cemetery. Resolution. That Council award the repair and restoration of two stone pillars at the main entrance of Hillcrest Cemetery to Paul Langford Masonry in the amount of $17,500.00 (Seventeen thousand, five hundred dollars) taxes extra, this being the lowest of two (2) request for quotations received.

9.5.1– Fitness Trail Maintenance. Discussion.

By-laws

10.1.1– Fire Department Establishing and Regulating By-law. By-law 2018 – 6835. A By-law to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department and to repeal Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound By-laws 89-3357 and 93-3617.

10.1.2– Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive Municipal Services Installation. By-law 2018 – 6830. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between property owners along Macklaim Drive and Dennis Drive and the Town of Parry Sound.

10.2.1– G Cash Management Systems Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6836. Being a By-law to enter into an agreement with G Cash Management Systems for the continued placement of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts.

Council Agenda Preview – January 16, 2018

15 Monday Jan 2018

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It’s a very light agenda this week. I have nothing to offer in terms of comments. I’ll catch the meeting online. I’m most interested in 5.1, a deputation on the community response to the expanding opioid crisis.

Correspondence

4.1 – Mark Ideson, former resident. Re: Request for a donation to assist with his family traveling to Pyeongchang, Korea as Mr. Ideson is skip for the Canadian Curling Team at the Paralympic Winter Games.

4.2 – Douglas Killingleck. Re: Concerns about parking on Salt Dock Road blocking off the view of residents at Beaconview condominiums while driving out of their driveway.

4.3 – Susan Hrycyna, Executive Administrator on behalf of the Parry Sound DBA Re: Supporting Board resolution regarding the Beautification Committee of the DBA as presented by Brenda Ryan.

4.6 – Ad-Hoc Wellness and Pool Recreational Committee ( a Citizen formed Committee). Re: Request to put a question on the municipal election ballot regarding appointing a Parry Sound Council representative to a Recreational Complex Advisory Committee. (This request was made to all West Parry Sound Area Municipalities).

Deputations

5.1 – Hilary Cutler, Community Health Promoter. Re: The Health Unit is in the initial stages of community mobilization as it relates to opioids. Development of a community drug strategy framework.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Regulation of Gasoline Prices from Region to Region. Resolution. Whereas gasoline prices continue to vary from region to region in Ontario; and Whereas this has been an ongoing issue for many years in the Parry Sound District; and Whereas numerous letters have been written to the province requesting regulation of gasoline to resolve this issue; Now, therefore be it resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports the City of North Bay’s Resolution 2017-449, attached as Schedule “A”, which requests that the province consider a Bill to regulate gasoline prices, specifically the “Fairness in Petroleum Products Prince Act, 2017 to be submitted by Gilles Bisson, M.P.P. for Timmins–James Bay; and Further that a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Honourable Premier Kathleen Wynne, the Honourable Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy, Leaders of the Opposition, Gilles Bisson, M.P.P., Norm Miller, M.P.P for Parry Sound Muskoka, AMO, FONOM and the West Parry Sound municipalities.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.2.1 – Freedom of Information Requests. Resolution. That Council approve the enforcement of the legislated fees for Freedom of Information Requests under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56.

9.2.2 – Lakeland Shareholders Agreement Amendment. Resolution. Whereas the Shareholders entered into an Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement on June 9, 2017 (the “Agreement”); And Whereas the Corporation may engage in the business activities set out in Article 21 of the Agreement; and Whereas the Corporation is considering certain business ventures inside and outside the jurisdiction of Ontario; and Whereas Shareholder approval is required to take certain actions as set out in Article 3.9 of the Agreement; and Whereas all capitalized terms herein not defined have the meaning ascribed to them in the Agreement; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved:

  1. That the Business of the Corporation as outlined in Section 2.1 of the Agreement be amended to include the following, as permitted and authorized business activities: the promotion of electricity conservation and the efficient use of electricity; electricity load management; and the promotion of cleaner energy sources, including alternative energy sources and renewable energy sources.
  2. That the incorporation of a new subsidiary or subsidiaries (“NewCo”) of the Corporation, as determined upon the advice of the Corporation’s legal counsel, be approved.
  3. That the incorporation of such other subsidiaries of NewCo as the Board of Directors of the Corporation deems necessary (acting on the advice of legal counsel) to carry out the Business of the Corporation be approved.
  4. That the entering into of any further agreements as may be necessary, such as but not limited to, a shareholders’ agreement, based upon advice from the Corporation’s legal counsel be approved.
  5. That any corporation incorporated pursuant to this resolution be made a party to the Agreement and bound to the terms therein.

The foregoing resolution is hereby passed by the Shareholders of the Corporation, as evidenced by their signatures hereto.

9.5.1 – Consent Application – B 31/2017 (PS) (Themer) – 60 and 60a Seguin Street. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B 31/2017 (PS) (Themer) – 60 and 60a Seguin Street, be supported subject to the following conditions:
1. Payment for cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication in the amount of $2,677.00.
2. That each of the severed and retained lots have separate and individual water and sewer services.
3. If necessary, an easement will be obtained for any services which traverse over either the severed or retained lot in favour of the other lot.
4. That both lots obtain relief from the Zoning By-law to ensure the newly created lots are compliant.

Council Agenda Preview – December 19, 2017

17 Sunday Dec 2017

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The biggest piece of news in this week’s Town of Parry Sound Council Agenda Package is the recommendation of Staff to award the Request for Proposal (RFP) to Greystone for the Salt Dock Road surplus properties (10.4.2). All-in-all the process was very quick, and in my opinion the decision is in the best interests of Parry Sound residents and businesses. I would like to compliment the Town for their relative transparency on the RFP process and the decision parameters regarding their recommendation. It was not so long ago that accessing this type of information required considerable effort on the part of the Public.

Other agenda items worth noting:

9.2.1 – Creation of Hotel Tax – Deferral. The recommendation of the committee is to delay the review process for at least a year to better understand how other, more similarly sized communities, are addressing this issue.

9.4.2 – Warrant Analysis – Downtown Parry Sound. This concerns the possibility of a pedestrian crosswalk on James Street between Mary and Seguin Streets. The Staff recommendation, to defeat the resolution, is that the Town forgo further study of the issue based on an earlier report and the expected expense of an additional study ($65,000). It’s not that far to walk up to Mary or Seguin streets if you are not comfortable crossing the street mid-block without assistance.

9.5.1 – Complimentary Parking Program. It turns out that here are some individuals who regularly abuse the downtown free parking benefit. Staff is recommending that there be directed enforcement targeting those who have been identified as chronic offenders.

10.3.3 – Solar Field Memorandum of Understanding. Town Staff is suggesting that the Town take the next step to allow Lakeland Power to better assess the potential of a solar field project. Any final agreement will be subject to further discussion and review. I’m at a bit of a loss to understand why the Town feels compelled to source their power requirements from a new capital investment. Why not just allocate electricity from the Cascade power plant to the Town’s operations? Let’s keep an eye on this, it can easily turn into a boon dongle even if all parties have the best of intents.

10.4.1 – CP Station Lease Extension – Festival of the Sound. The Town is extending the lease agreement with the Festival of the Sound for one year while it takes the necessary remediation steps to put the property on the market.

There are more notable items on the agenda listed below. As always, refer to the agenda package available at the Town’s website for a full list of the items and the supporting documents. (Good luck finding the document. It’s there, but not easy to find. I don’t know why the Town doesn’t just post a link to the agenda for the upcoming meeting of council under the News and Public Notices menu item at the bottom of the page. It’s a classic example of people designing and managing a website without ever actually using it. The industry suggestion for this type of inconsiderate design is ‘to eat your own dog food’. I think the Town can, and should, do better. The News and Public Notices section would be much more user friendly if it also had a link to the latest draft/final budget as well as the most recent council meeting minutes.)

Closed Session

  1. b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Appointment of Treasurer)
  2. d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Grievance)

Correspondence

4.1 – Margaret Dunnigan, Parry Sound resident. Reopening the dialogue regarding building a swimming pool for resident of Parry Sound and surrounding areas.

4.2 – Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Request for funding, along with McDougall, toward lettering on the North End Water Tower.

Deputations

5.1 – Roger Alexander, Parry Sound Condo Corp #2. Surplus property near Salt Dock Road proposal to purchase a portion of the land offered for sale by the town of Parry Sound based on its “utility valuation”.

5.2 – Brenda Ryan, representing the Downtown Beautification Committee, a Downtown Steering Committee Ad Hoc Committee. Downtown beautification

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Goal Plan Update – 4th Quarter. Resolution. That Council approves the December, 2017 Fourth Quarter Goal Plan update, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.2.1 – Creation of Hotel Tax – Deferral. Direction. That Council defer any review of the hotel tax until January 1, 2019 upon the recommendation of the ad-hoc committee.

9.4.1 – West Parry Sound Economic Development Collaborative. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC), Council adopt the Terms of Reference for the West Parry Sound Economic Development Collaborative, attached as Schedule “A”; and That the Terms of Reference for the West Parry Sound Economic Development Collaborative be effective upon adoption of all the participating municipalities by no later than January 31, 2018. That Resolution No’s: 2011-137 and 2013-235 be rescinded.

9.4.2 – Warrant Analysis – Downtown Parry Sound. Direction. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Downtown Steering Committee, Council direct staff to proceed with the development of Terms of Reference and workplan for a Warrant Analysis to review pedestrian movement in the downtown with a goal of enhancing pedestrian and commercial zones.

9.5.1 – Complimentary Parking Program. Direction. That staff implement the following changes to the complimentary parking program;
• Re-parking enforcement be on a complaint and flagrant abuse basis
• Designated Permit Parking spaces in the Miller St. lot be moved closer to James St
• Clearer identification of Parking Permit spaces throughout downtown be implemented

By-laws

10.2.1 – 2018 Interim Tax Levy. By-law 2017 – 6787. Being a By-Law to provide for an interim tax levy, for the payment of taxes, and for penalty and interest at 1 1/4 percent per month for the 2018 taxation year.

10.3.1 – Amending Agreement for Emily St. Funding. By-law 2017 – 6788. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an Amending Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Ontario, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound regarding the reconstruction of Emily Street.

10.3.2 – Traffic bylaw 2013 -6205 amendment – Carol Court. By-law 2017 – 6789. Being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 2013-6205, as amended, known as the Traffic Bylaw, a bylaw to regulate and control traffic and parking in the Town of Parry Sound.

10.3.3 – Solar Field Memorandum of Understanding. By-law 2017 – 6790. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Lakeland Holdings Ltd. and AMP Solar Group Inc. for the provision of a partnership in solar fields to offset electrical usage of Town owned facilities.

10.4.1 – CP Station Lease Extension – Festival of the Sound. By-law 2017 – 6791. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Town of Parry Sound and Festival of the Sound for the rental of the CP Station.

10.4.2 – Declaration of Surplus Lands – Salt Dock Road Properties and award a Request for Proposal. By-law 2017 – 6792. Being a By-law to declare lands fronting onto Salt Dock Road surplus to the Town of Parry Sound.
Resolution. That Council award the proposal from 1793951 Ontario Inc. (Greystone) for the Request for Proposal.
Direction. That a conditional agreement of purchase and sale be prepared between the Town of Parry Sound and 1793951 Ontario Inc. (Greystone) for Council’s consideration.

See you there Tuesday night.

 

 

Parry Sound Budget Meeting Tonight – 2017-12-12

12 Tuesday Dec 2017

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It starts at 6:00. While the discussion portion will be broadcast, the Town has suggested that the presentation portion will not be available because of technical issues. So, if you plan to watch the session live or later, be sure to download a copy of the budget document to follow along. The Town has a link to the budget at Combined Agenda.

Why bother with following the Town of Parry Sound Annual budget? The short answer is that it lets you know what the Town has planned for the next few years. Nothing gets done without a budget, and this is where the Town lays it all out, for as long as five years in terms of capital investments. For example, there is a tentative capital line entry in 2023 for an Aquatic Centre. There are a thousand stories in the Parry Sound budget and that is only one of them.

Speaking of budgets, did you read the article in the Ottawa Citizen concerning the Blind River debt, about $50 million, related to solar installations? It has a little bit of a parallel in Parry Sound, but with a better outcome. Almost 7 years ago the Town was approached about investing in a solar program on Town property. The suggestion was that the Town could make money by producing power at a lower price than it could sell it back to the Province. The Town was given an option to cover all costs, or co-invest. I attended the council meeting where the presentation was made by a consultant, and read the supporting documents. It seemed like BS to me. Lots of risk and limited payout. The meeting was held in the top of the Children’s Aid building. As the consultant was leaving, I stepped outside and asked him some more questions about the basis of the propsal, probably a little agressively as I smelled BS. I was told to leave him alone by the accompanying Town of Parry Sound Operations staff person. In the end I sent a letter to Town Staff with my thoughts. In their wisdom, Council declined not to go forward with the solar investment. It might have ended up not so different that the Blind River situation.

The Town is once again looking at investing in solar energy. This time by only supplying the land with Lakeland Power making the financial and management investment. There is still is some risk to the Town as a shareholder in Lakeland Power, hopefully it’s minimal and shared with the other investors.

Council Agenda Preview – December 5, 2017

03 Sunday Dec 2017

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There is not much on this week’ agenda that should cause concern for Parry Sound residents. The agenda does point to issues that Council and the Town will be facing in 2018. In addition to elections of a new Council, there will be a substantial turnover in Senior Staff. We have this year seen the resignations of our By-law Officer, and our Director of Finance (and POA Court Services). This coming year sees the departures of our Chief Administration Officer and Director of Development & Leisure Services, followed by the departure of our Director of Public Works in 2019. These are all caring and capable individuals who have shown that they can work together. With the possibility of new faces on Council, and the reality that there will be new faces on Senior Staff, we could be facing challenges if poor decisions are made in hiring and voting. I’m optimistic, the past election led to a pair of capable new faces on Council, and the additions to Staff in the past couple of years have been uniformly excellent. Things will be changing and a steady hand will be necessary.

The most notable topics on this week’s agenda include:

4.1 – Sewer flush and clean. I’m interested in seeing the Town’s written response to this issue. In the past the Town has included their response to similar matters as part of the agenda package. If the Town is going to tell them too bad it’s your problem, I’d like the rest of us to understand the Town’s position on these matters. It’s a bit like blasting in Town. The competent companies do an inventory of the local area to make sure there aren’t any pre-existing situations they might be blamed for. In this case of sewer problems, being downhill from a high pressure hose blowing out the lines certainly could lead to problems, even if everything in the home was tickety-boo.

5.3 – I’ll bet people are interested in this property. Let’s get a fair price and put it to good use.

9.1.2, 9.1.4 – Activities related to Senior Staff changes that were mentioned earlier.

9.4.1 – An additional solar project, this one on the north end of Parry Sound in McDougall where the Town owns land and a water tower.

10.4.1 – Mostly about Downtown flowers; so easy to plan, and so easy to screw up (at least in the opinion of some). Something I remember about about silk purses comes to mind.

Closed Session

  1. d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Grievance)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder, residents. Concerns about the road repair on Rosetta Street and the procedure used to flush and clean the sewer and their complaint on the effects on their home.

4.2 – Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General for the Province of Ontario. The Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures, 2017 including amendments to the Provincial Offences Act which would see a streamline and simplified process, expanded online service delivery, transfer of responsibility for a broader range of provincial offences prosecutions to municipal partners and strengthening of municipal fine enforcement tools.

4.4 – Jack Tynan, President, Park to Park Trail Association. Formal request for Parry Sound’s continued financial support of Park to Park Trail.

4.10 – Glen Hodgson, Chair, West Parry Sound District Museum. Request for the 2018 contribution to the Museum on Tower Hill.

Deputations

5.1 – Rita Orr, Parry Sound Public Library. Update on Activities and 2018 Draft Budget.

5.2 – Nadine Hammond, Museum on Tower Hill. Strategic Plan and Executive Summary

5.3 – John Jacklin and John Jackson, residents. Interest in the surplus property at Salt Dock Road.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – CAO Recruiter Appointment. Resolution. That upon review of three requests for proposals received, Council appoints the firm of Tim L. Dobbie Consulting Ltd. to undertake the recruitment of a new CAO in anticipation of pending 2018 retirement of incumbent Rob Mens.

9.1.3 – Policy – Use of Corporate Resources During a Municipal Election. Resolution. That Council approve the Use of Corporate Resources During a Municipal Election Policy, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.1.4 – Creation of Economic Officer Development Position. Resolution. That given the pending August 2018 (last day in the office May 11, 2018) retirement of Lynn Middaugh as Director of Development & Leisure Services, the position of Economic Development Officer be created with a target date of April 9, 2018.

9.2.1 – Award 2017 General Insurance RFP. Resolution. That Council hereby awards the RFP for general insurance and risk management services to BFL Canada Inc. in the amount of $249,669 (plus applicable taxes) for the year December 15, 2017 to December 15, 2018.

9.4.1 – Commence Process to Consider Lands Suitable for a Renewable Energy Project. Direction. 1. That staff initiate conversations with McDougall Township regarding a renewable energy project on Town owned lands in their Township. 2. That depending on the outcome of the above conversations, that staff discuss with the relevant partners the creation of a renewable energy project on these parcels.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Debenture issue for 2017 Capital Works. By-law 2017 – 6781. A By-law of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Serial Debentures in the Principal Amount of $572,056 Towards the Cost of Big Sound Marina Dock B Replacement, Bobby Orr Community Centre Roof Replacement, Public Washroom Replacement.

10.4.2 – Downtown Business Association/Town of Parry Sound – Memorandum of Understanding. By-law 2017 – 6783. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association and to repeal By-law No: 2017-6732.

10.4.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/06 – Lawrence/Mulligan (Oakridge Road) – Lifting of “h” symbol.By-law 2017 – 6784. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision from a portion of the lands described as Parts 2 and 3, and part of Part 1 of 42R11963.

If you won’t be attending the meeting, and you certainly won’t unless you have a deputation to make, watch the live feed. Or check out the recording later in the week. I recommend watching at least through the Councillors’ reports and the deputations. The rest will be a snooze, everything will be approved as recommended.

It looks as though I will need to start attending Council meetings again, and not just following them online, if I want say my goodbyes.

Council Agenda Preview – November 7, 2017

04 Saturday Nov 2017

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Some short comments on the issues before Council this week:

4.1 – Concerns regarding the connection of services on Rosetta to incidents of wastewater overflow in their home.
I would be similarly concerned if this happened at my home. Apply enough pressure and every vent system will fail. A contractor seems to have screwed up and they need to accept responsibility.

4.2, 5.1 – Concerns about issues of safety on William Street while public is using the bike lanes.
I don’t live on William Street but it has been my experience that commercial trucks rarely respect a 40 kph speed limit. Time is money folks. I also believe in the adage, “You don’t s**t where you eat”. Adams would be advised to keep a closer tab on their drivers and their customers, or consider moving their materials operations to their McDougall facility where there is much less pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

9.3.1 – Solar field partnership RFP waiver and solar agreement.
It’s a bit of a ‘hot wire’ approach to ‘jump start’ the project but seems reasonable. This landfill site will be put to use and the Town is not on the hook for expenses, and may save a few bucks on energy costs. I am comforted by the involvement of Lakeland Holdings. Their track record to date has been pretty good.

9.3.3 – Wink’s Link Trail update. Resolution. That Council support staff recommendation to seasonally maintain Winks Link, and to allow the Snowmobile clubs to use and maintain the Link in the winter months;
I hope that Council will require the snowmobile clubs to assume responsibility for any damage and unreasonable wear and tear of the trail. I recall a situation one winter when a lamp post was knocked over on the Rotary Algonquin Regiment Fitness Trail bridge over the Sequin River that ended up the responsibility of the Town. The boards on the bridge were also replaced a couple of years ago because of damage by the snow machines. I think we should share, but let’s make sure our ‘guests’ assume appropriate responsibility.

9.6.1 – Parry Sound Official Coat of Arms.
Sure, why not?

Key Agenda Items

Closed Session

(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (CAO Recruitment), (Personnel Matter), (Former Employee)

(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; (Request to Transfer Lease)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder, 16 Rosetta Street. Concerns regarding the connection of services on Rosetta to incidents of wastewater overflow in their home.

4.2 – Stacy Andelin, William Street. Concerns about issues of safety on William Street while public is using the bike lanes.

4.3 – Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Opposes Proposed Changes to the Public Health System. Re: Concerns that changes to the Public Health System will completely change and dilute over time the mandate of the local public health system by integrating it with the Health care system. No analysis provided by the Expert Panel or the Ministry on the implications of this proposed integration from either a patient, program/service, or cost benefit analysis perspective was done.

4.7 – Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) Re: FONOM disappointed with Decision to Cancel Energy East Project

Deputations

5.1 – Stacy Andelin, William Street. Concerns about the safety of people using the bike lanes on Williams Street.

Consent Agenda

8.1 – Amendment to Budget Schedule. Resolution. That Council hereby approves the revised 2018 budget preparation schedule as set out in Schedule “A” attached; and That Resolution 2017-144 is hereby rescinded.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – 2018 Council Meeting Dates. Resolution. That pursuant to By-law 2015-6573, Section 3, paragraph 4, Council approves Schedule “A” as attached, which provides the schedule of dates for the 2018 Regular meetings of Council.

9.3.1 – Solar field partnership RFP waiver and solar agreement. Direction.
1. That Council waive the request for proposal (RFP) that was initiated by the October 17th, 2017 Council meeting; and
2. That Council direct staff to develop an agreement with Lakeland Power and AMP Energy for the creation of a solar field on the old landfill site; and 3. That Council directs staff to consider the long-term potential use of other large, municipally owned parcels of land, for best future use.

9.3.2 – Hybrid Electric Truck Loan Opportunity. Resolution. Whereas municipalities purchase and maintain fleet vehicles in order to provide necessary services to their communities; and Whereas emerging electric vehicle and hybrid technologies have the potential to significantly improve the environmental impact of municipal fleets by reducing their GHG emissions; and Whereas municipal fleet managers make significant and costly decisions on the fleet vehicles they purchase and these vehicles may be part of municipal fleets for several years; and
Whereas more data and information is necessary to encourage municipal adoption of new green technologies and to help make decisions about the most appropriate applications; and Whereas AMO is proposing to apply to the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund to procure electric trucks which will be loaned to participants in the pilot and members to test and measure usage; Therefore, Be It Resolved That the Council of the Town of Parry Sound will participate in and support the AMO Electric Truck Pilot Project alongside other interested municipal governments, including by partnering with AMO in the application for grant funding from the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund.

9.3.3 – Wink’s Link Trail update. Resolution. That Council support staff recommendation to seasonally maintain Winks Link, and to allow the Snowmobile clubs to use and maintain the Link in the winter months; and Further to update Town of Parry Sound Bylaw #98-4016 to include Winks Link, and include the appropriate signage identifying the usage.

9.4.2 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council approves:
a) 11 James Street (SJB Construction Inc.) in the amount of $4,112.48;
b) 39 James Street (Ritchie Holdings – Parry Sound – Ltd.) in the amount of $9,022.50; and,
c) 19 James Street (Dyer) – in the amount of $8,465.69.
And further that Agreement Letters be drafted and executed by the successful applicants. And that upon the recommendation of the Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council deny the request for funding from:
d) 138 William Street (Fellowship Baptist Church); and
e) 43 Church Street (Moir).

9.6.1 – Parry Sound Official Coat of Arms. Resolution. That a Coat of Arms Ad Hoc Committee be struck to review the development of a registered Coat of Arms and Motto for the Town of Parry Sound to be submitted to the Heraldic Authority through the Governor General’s office; and That Mayor McGarvey, Councillor ___________, Ann Hurdman and ___________ be appointed to the Committee.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Approval of application for debenture. By-law 2017 – 6776. Being a by-law to authorize certain new capital works of The Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound (the “Municipality”); to authorize the submission of an application to Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation (“OILC”) for financing such capital works; to authorize temporary borrowing from OILC to meet expenditures in connection with such works; and to authorize long term borrowing for such works through the issue of debentures to OILC.

As always the full agenda with attachments is available at the Town’s website. The meeting will be available live, and archived, on YouTube. Contact the Town of Parry Sound for information if you need help finding it. A search for “Town of Parry Sound council meeting youtube” should provide the appropriate link. Just be careful regarding the date or will end up with an archived meeting. Sometimes the live feed doesn’t appear until a minute or two after the usual 7:00 start time.

Council Agenda Preview – October 17, 2017

15 Sunday Oct 2017

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There are some interesting items on this week’s council agenda. The most interesting in my opinion, 9.1.3 – Succession planning and organizational restructuring, was the subject of a separate post and won’t be discussed here. These are this week’s highlights:

Closed Session – Item c.
Probably a disposition of the CP Station. The likeliest buyer would be the Festival of the Sound. I hope there will be a true arms length approach to this transaction.

Items 5.3, 9.3.1 – Solar Power Project – A Clean Energy Powered Future.
Oh boy, let’s build and be responsible for more infrastructure. Investing in roads and water I understand. It’s necessary and there is no practical alternative to having the Town build and manage it. Solar power is the best alternative for the desert – lots of sun, high in the sky, and not much in the way of rain or cloudy days. In our part of the world the best carbon free energy investment is hydroelectric and offshore wind. My first sense is that this is not something we should be getting involved with. Why are we competing with for profit businesses. Solar technology is still first generation, like copper phone lines were twenty years ago. If it’s about being environmentally caring, can’t we take credit for the carbon free generation at the Cascade Street power plant? If we can find a party that wants to lease the McFarlane Landfill site, and sell us solar power at market rates – let’s consider it. Read the full R&R for a sense of what’s involved.

8.3 – AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) Opposes Proposed Changes to Public Health System.
If the experts tell us something we don’t want to hear, well then let’s make our own uninformed decisions. That’s the current approach south of the border.

9.4.1 – Stockey Centre Roof & Siding Project – Grant Application.
It seems that the million dollar repairs to the Stockey Centre is on the agenda and will be approved. Makes sense, all things considered. Do you think that people were anticipating and budgeting for this type of expense when the Stockey Centre was first approved? That’s why you don’t make investments in things that are not ‘mission critical’ unless you have money to waste.

Selected Agenda Items

Closed Session

b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Appointment of Integrity Commissioner) (CAO Recruitment)

c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (CP Station)

Deputations

5.1 – Becky Pollock and Sue Woodhouse, on behalf of the Parry Sound Active Transportation Committee. Re: Request for signage support and contribution on the trail link extending from Mall Drive along Parry Sound Drive to the Nobel Trail. Also request support to name the trail link “Wink’s Link” in recognition of Wendall Fisher’s contribution to the building of this trail through his work in the Parry Sound Area Active Transportation group.

5.2 – Terry Zanussi, Chair, Parry Sound Public Library Board. Re: Introduction of Rita Orr, CEO of the Parry Sound Public Library.

5.3 – Forrest Pengra, Manager of Infrastructure and Technology, Town of Parry Sound; Vince Kulchycki, COO Lakeland Power and; Kurt Robertson, Business Development Director AMP Energy. Solar Power Project – A Clean Energy Powered Future

Consent Agenda

8.3 – AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) Opposes Proposed Changes to Public Health System. Resolution. Whereas the provincial government is considering far reaching changes to the public health system based on recommendations made by the Expert Panel on Public Health in their report “Public Health within an Integrated Health System” released on July 20, 2017; and Whereas the Board of Directors of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and their Health Task Force, does not support the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Public Health and is urging the government not to adopt them; and Whereas if the Expert Panel recommendations are implemented, it will completely change and dilute, over time, the mandate of the local public health system by integrating it with the health care system; and Whereas there was no analysis provided by either the Expert Panel or the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on the implications of this proposed integration from either a patient, program/service, or cost benefit analysis perspective; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports AMO in their conclusions about this report and is voicing Council’s opposition to this report to Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins; and Further that this resolution be provided to AMO, Norm Miller, M.P.P., West Parry Sound Municipal Councils and the West Parry Sound Health Centre.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Naming of Town to McDougall Trail Link. Resolution. That Council fully supports the naming of the ‘Link’ trail to McDougall “Wink’s Link Community Path” and that an appropriate sign be constructed at the Town entrance to the Trail to be funded from the Trials Master Plan budget at a cost of up to $1,500.

9.1.2 – Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act (Changes to the Municipal Act, 2001, the Municipal Election Act, 1996 and the Conflict of Interest Act) Resolution. That the Staff Report regarding Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, 2017, be received for information purposes.
Direction (For Direct Staff Follow-up). That the Clerk be directed to update Parry Sound’s policies and by-laws affected by Bill 68 as they pertain to the Municipal Act, the Conflict of Interest Act, and the Municipal Elections Act.

9.1.3 – Succession planning and organizational restructuring. Resolution. That the Succession Planning & Organizational Restructuring report dated October 17, 2017 as attached be approved.

9.3.1 – Solar Power Project – A Clean Energy Powered Future. Direction. THAT Council set the goal of 100% of Town buildings and operations using only electricity from renewable energy sources and supports in principle, the use of Town owned lands, particularly the former McFarlane Landfill site for solar power generation and, THAT the Manager of Infrastructure and Technology be directed to initiate a request for proposal process to select a supplier for the review and potential development of solar generation net metering projects on Town owned property(s), AND THAT staff bring a report back to Council for consideration and award to a potential supplier following the evaluation of any proposals received.

9.4.1 – Stockey Centre Roof & Siding Project – Grant Application.
Resolution. 1. That Council authorizes that application be made to the Department of Canadian Heritage/Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for the Stockey Centre roof and siding project in the amount of $705,525. representing 50% of total project costs; and That Rob Mens be confirmed as the person with signing authority. 2. That in the event the funding application is approved, Council approves an additional $5,600. for debenture for 2017/2018 for this project. Resolution postponed at the September 5, 2017 meeting.
Resolution. That Council accepts the tender from W.S. Morgan Construction Ltd. in the amount of $888,180.00 including HST for roof repairs and siding replacement at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts and Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, this being the only tender received; and That the budgeted debenture be increased to reflect the tendered amount.

9.4.2 – Regional Innovation Strategy Initiative. Direction. 1) That the report be received for information purposes; 2) That the Town partner with the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network by providing meeting space for focus group and information sessions as required, at no cost; and 3) That the Town’s Web site and other forms of social media be utilized to promote participation in the development of a Regional Innovation Strategy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – February 7, 2017

04 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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Good news for those of you wanting to keep on top of what’s on the Town of Parry Sound council’s upcoming agenda; the agendas seem to be coming out on Thursday, rather than Friday. This provides people with an additional day to provide comments to Staff and Council on items on the agenda, or organize a deputation on an agenda item. But you need to be on the distribution list to get it delivered to your mailbox. Contact the Clerk at the Parry Sound Town Office to be included.

It seems to be business as usual with a hodge-podge of items on this week’s agenda. Among the more interesting items:

  • There seem to be multiple parties interested in the Old Fire Hall (5.2).
  • Activity seems to be developing activity with regard to having railways pay municipal taxes commensurate with their business activities and local community impact (8.4).
  • Treetops is back on the agenda (6.1).
  • Big Sound Marina operating agreement is up for renewal (10.1.1).
  • 2017 Budget and associated rates and policies (10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3).

As always there is more on the agenda than is noted above and below. Comments on individual items are offered below (italics). Review the full agenda with the supporting documents for more information. You can try and find it one the Town’s website or you could get it directly through this link.

Closed Session:

  1. c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Property Matter)
  1. e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Zoning By-law Amendment Appeal)

Correspondence

4.1 – Kevin Baker, Harold’s Barber Shop. Re: Concerns about the rates for his installed water meter.
Commercial water rates continue to be a source of confusion. It’s basically a cost of doing business, or living, in Parry Sound; an underappreciated tax of sorts. The alternative is to set up shop in Nobel or McKellar and see how that impacts the bottom line. Taxes there are lower and you get to provide your own water and sewer.

4.2 – Stephen P. Kaegi, CAO, The Township of The Archipelago. Re: Letter addressed to Transport Canada, Marine Office and copied to Mayor and Council. Questions about the proposed operational restrictions of the Wasauksing Swing Bridge.
A pressing issue that doesn’t directly impact Parry Sound, the proposed restrictions on the operation of the bridge will impact Wasauksing and our neighbouring municipalities. Who is responsible, and who is going to pay for a new bridge, the obvious solution to the issue? Perhaps our rich neighbours can find room in their budget for the improvement, but that would of course negatively impact their low, low tax strategy.

4.3 – John Maheu, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Executive Director of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors. Re: Congratulations to Peter Brown, Director of Public Works, for his recent Certified Road Supervisor certification.
Does this mean Mr. Brown is now qualified to be a flag person at a road construction job ;-)

Deputations

5.1 – Brad Weiler, Community Recreation and Programs Coordinator. Re: Update to Council on Community Recreation Programing.

5.2 – Aleesha Mullen, Owner/Operator Parry Sound Bikes. Re: Review of her proposal submitted for the Old Fire Hall.
I suspect that this will be a more acceptable proposal, assuming the offer price for the property meets the Town’s expectations. It will cause less ‘after 6:00’ traffic in this semi-residential area which is a concern to local residents. Both this proposal, which I imagine is a bike shop, and Maurizio’s restaurant, are reasonable uses of the property. Let’s just make sure the building isn’t lost through neglect. What’s up for sale next? The CN Station? The Town really doesn’t have the resources or interest in fixing up and using, or renting out, either of these buildings.

5.3 – Debbie Hill, President of CUPE #2049. Re: Update to Council on the status of the CAS lock out of CUPE #2049.

Consent Agenda

8.3 – Funding Formula for Gas Tax, Resolution. Whereas the provincial gas tax funding formula has not received an increase in over 10 years, since 2006; and Whereas with the implementation of Cap and Trade January 1, 2017 it is more expensive for municipalities consuming the fuel; and Whereas the City of Owen Sound adopted a resolution to send a letter to the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Steven Del Duca, stipulating these facts and requesting that the formulas be revisited; Now, therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound supports the City of Owen Sound and will also send a letter to Minister of Transportation to request a review of the gas tax; and Further that this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities.

8.4 – Property Taxation on Railways. Resolution. Whereas it has been identified that railway companies in the province of Ontario, do not pay a proportionate share of municipal property tax as compared to other properties in their class, or compared to any other municipal tax class; and Whereas in other provinces and jurisdictions the railway companies do remit a more equitable share of taxes to the local tax base; and Whereas taxes in other jurisdictions for railway properties are calculated using a tonmile concept; and Whereas said fees are reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis according to inflation and ongoing current conditions; and Whereas the Province of Ontario has continued to fall further and further behind in their approach to railroad property taxation over the past 112 plus years; Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That the Town of Parry Sound supports the Resolutions passed by Fort Frances, Atikokan and Marathon and calls upon the Minister of Finance for the Province of Ontario to implement a new system of municipal property taxation for railroad right-of-way properties based on utilizing a per ton-mile concept; and Further that this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, Norm Miller, M.L.A. for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities.
Yup, the railways get a ‘free ride’ from the Feds and the Provinces at the expense of local municipalities. As the Province pulls back local funding, the Municipalities need to look for alternative sources of revenue. The highly profitable railways need to start paying their fair share.

8.6 – 2016 Integrity Commissioner Report. Resolution. Whereas the Council, Boards and Committees Code of Conduct stipulates that the Integrity Commissioner shall file his/her annual report regarding any activities to Council no later than March 31st of each year; and That should there be no complaints/investigations for the year, in this case, 2016, then the Clerk shall report to Council accordingly; Therefore, the Clerk reports that the former Integrity Commissioner, Suzanne Craig, and the current Integrity Commissioner, George Rust-D’Eye have reported that there were no formal complaints filed nor investigations conducted in the year 2016.
No hits, no runs and no complaints. Call it a win.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.3.1 – Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act. Resolution. That Council for the Town of Parry Sound acknowledge receipt of the attached Report and Recommendation regarding changes to the Municipal Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by the introduction of Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act.
The closed session changes in this legislation really don’t do much to ensure additional transparency. The simple action of having a “closed meeting investigator” does not make me more comfortable. The investigator can only review what is officially recorded in the closed meeting minutes, which of course does not necessarily reflect all of the discussion. I don’t question the integrity of Council; I do question whether the Public gets the benefit of all discussion and concerns that may be expressed in closed sessions that should be shared in open sessions.

9.4.1 – Ontario Regulation 284/09. Resolution. That Council hereby adopts the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2017 budget outlined in the staff report “Ontario Regulation 284/09”, attached as Schedule “A”, as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001.

9.4.2 – Vacancy Tax Rebate Review. Direction. That Staff initiate the required consultation process for the modification or elimination of the Vacancy Tax Rebate, as outlined by the Ministry of Finance (once available).
This is an interesting rebate program that provides commercial property owners with an effective 30% reduction in property taxes if the property is vacant. This can lead to landlords preferring to leave a property vacant rather than use it, or rent it out. Because of provincial legislation the Town has the opportunity to redefine its local policy in this regard. The Town intends to engage with the community to understand how Parry Sound should define it’s vacancy rate policy.

9.4.3 – Co-location of Lakeland Power Customer Service. Direction. That Staff work with Lakeland Power to develop a co-location agreement which includes the redesign of the front reception office and that staff attain the services of an appropriate consultant to advise on the redesign.

9.4.4 – 2017 Parry Sound Public Library Budget. Resolution. Whereas S.24(1) of the Libraries Act requires that the Parry Sound Public Library provide its annual budget to the Council of the Town of Parry Sound; And Whereas S.24 (2) of the Act provides Council the ability to approve, reject or amend the budget; Now Therefore be it resolved that the 2017 budget for the Parry Sound Public Library, attached as Schedule “A”, is approved.

9.6.1 Request for Donation to the Treetops Community Forest. Resolution. That Council hereby will provide a grant of $____________ to the Treetops Community Forest to be funded from the 2017 Budget; and That the direction passed January 10, 2017 be amended to include the above addition.
I recall that when the project was first brought before Council there was a ‘promise’ that the project would not require funding from the Town. Well here we are with an ask for $10K. It’s hard to oppose the ask, but somehow I feel as though we been ‘duped’. I’m sure there was never an intention to come back to Council for money, but that’s too often the case with poorly planned projects. Better to ask for funding and forgiveness after reality sets in.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Extension of Agreement – Massasauga Management Co. Inc. – Big Sound Marina. By-law 2017 – 6704. Being a By-law to amend By-law No: 2014-6428, the operating agreement between Massasauga Management Co. Inc. and the Town of Parry Sound for operation of Big Sound Marina and the Town Dock, conditional on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada approving the operating agreement and the extension of a head lease between the Town and Department of Fisheries and Oceans or the completion of the divestiture process.

10.1.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/16/07 – 25 Mary Street – Old Fire Hall. By-law 2017 – 6706. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law), as amended, for 25 Mary Street (Old Fire Hall).
Staff recommends approval of the rezoning application.

10.4.1 – Tax Policies – Capping and New to Class / New Construction. By-law 2017 – 6707. Being a bylaw to specify our Tax Policies, including the claw back percentage, the capping threshold parameters, the minimum tax level for new to class / new construction and to exclude certain properties from the capping program for the year 2017.

10.4.2 – Tax Ratios for 2017. By-law 2017 – 6708. Being a by-law to set Tax Ratios for Municipal purposes for the year 2017.
Staff is recommending that the Town adopt the same ratios as last year with the understanding that while they seem to be in-line with other municipalities in Ontario they are outside the Province’s ‘range of fairness’.

10.4.3 – 2017 Budget. By-law 2017 – 6709. Being a By-law to Adopt the Operating and Capital Budget Estimates for the Year 2017.
No surprises here. I recommend reading the accompanying R&R in the Council Agenda Package to get a nice summary of the 2017 Budget and the factors that impact how it will play out for individual commercial and residential property owners.

10.4.4 – Scale of Cost for Property Tax Sale. By-law 2017 – 6710. Being a bylaw to establish a policy and scale of cost for the sale of land for tax arrears pursuant to Section 385 of the Municipal Act, 2001, c25.
This is an update to 1998 legislation and increases the fees payable to the Town.

Lonely Buoy

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Budget 2017 – The Principles of Sausage Making

14 Saturday Jan 2017

Posted by in Budget/Financial, Parry Sound, Town Council

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A bit of this and a bit of that, throw it into a grinder, add a bit of spice to mask things, and squeeze into casings. Yum. Tastes great, even if it seems a bit pricey. But, don’t ask about exactly what it’s made from – you really don’t want to know.

Parry Sound Council this past week reached agreement on the details of the 2017 Budget. As discussed in an earlier post, Council managed to find ways to hit the low end of the original budget target. That still means taxes will be up about 5% or more for most residential properties, but it quite easily could have been higher.

What’s In?
The budget included a number of new initiatives as well as some older issues that couldn’t be put off any longer. What’s in includes:

  1. Funding for an Economic Development Officer for a three year period. Council seemed very upbeat with respect to a candidate they had identified to take the position. ($75,000/year annualized, contract salary and marketing materials)
  2. Funding for a Recreation Programmer, permanent full-time. ($84,000, annualized staffing and program delivery costs)
  3. Funding for a tourism intern. ($12,000, staffing and materials)
  4. Repairs to the Stockey Centre roof. ($700,000 to be debentured)
  5. MADVAC, a vacuum cleaner on wheels for the downtown. ($60,000)
  6. Repairs to the retaining wall at Louisa/Bowes Street. ($160,000, from reserves)
  7. Human Resources position increased to five days per week.
  8. Parry Sound Road extension feasibility study. ($100,000, from reserves)
  9. Great North Road design. ($900,000, from reserves)

What Not?
Some expenses were cut and others were reduced. Here are the more notable cuts and/or reductions:

  1. Cut – Repairs to the Old Fire Hall. (more on this below)
  2. Cut – Staff position and resources to expand hazardous waste collection and disposal. ($68,000)
  3. Cut – Isabella Street sidewalks and water services upgrade.
  4. Reduced – Waubeek Street revitalization limited to Avenue Road to Prospect Street, including Prospect Street and the services to the Coast Guard Station.
  5. Reduced – Downtown facade improvement program reduced to $25,000 for 2017.

Old Fire Hall
An Old Fire Hall revitalization was originally budgeted as a $250,000 expense for 2017 (debentured). In the closed session of council on Tuesday the decision was apparently made to sell the Fire Hall. It makes sense, the building is in serious need of repair and as such really doesn’t provide any value as is for the Town. There was an earlier suggestion that the Town would renovate the hall and then lease it out, probably for a restaurant type use. Instead of paying for repair and renovation and then hoping for a lessee, the decision is to sell the hall. I’m not privy to the business case but it makes sense.

What is a little worrying is the Town’s reliance on selling land and properties to cover the cost of normal operations. In the past five years the Town has sold Parry Sound Power, lots on William Street, the Old Pump House and other smaller properties. This year we will be selling the Old Fire Hall. What’s next? What has become of these funds? The millions we received for Parry Sound Power were put into a reserve and to the best of my understanding has been siphoned off bit by bit. One million of that reserve is earmarked for design and engineering plans for Parry Sound Road and Great North Road. I’m told that it is effectively a loan and will be replaced when the project starts and is debentured.

Using the Parry Sound Power funds to front money for a large infrastructure project makes sense. I probably makes more sense than taking a loan to fund the project. It’s a bit like taking a loan from your RSP to pay for the downpayment on a new house. As long as you pay it back in a reasonable timeframe there is no foul.

My bigger concern is the Town’s reliance on selling assets the past five years to meet annual expenditures. It has probably shaved about 3% or 4% off our tax rates which is a good thing. But is it a bit like selling the family silver to cover the mortgage payment. Yes, you don’t regularly use Grandma’s silver, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. And it will be much, much more expensive to try and get it back. It’s like pawning a ring or a guitar, you can never buy something similar for anything close to what you can sell it for. So what are we going to sell next to make ends meet? The North Shore Road allowance?

Overall I’m okay with the budget. The 5% increase in taxes I’ll see in 2017 is something I can afford. I’m not so sure that everyone is in a similarly comfortable position. Don’t bitch about taxes unless you actually invest some time and effort understanding the choices facing Staff and Council, and then share your thoughts. Your opinion may not make a difference, but put together a dozen opinions and I suspect Council will start paying attention. The Citizen’s Finance Committee went nowhere, because the members didn’t bother to show up for the budget meetings. You don’t get the budget you deserve or want, you get the budget other’s think you need.

Addendum:

Once the final draft of the budget is made available I’ll provide a summary of the key points, most notably where the money is going. I am planning to comment on the updated capital projects list presented at last Tuesday’s budget once the document is made available. I had hoped it would be online by Friday. I will follow up with Staff on Monday to get a copy that can be shared with the public. It’s interesting, and so very expensive. One item was a $4 million property purchase. Another related to an Innovation Centre. Big plans and presumably big budgets. Does that translate into big taxes?

Council Agenda Preview – April 5, 2016

03 Sunday Apr 2016

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What seems like a sleepy little agenda, for example there are no by-laws under consideration, has some interesting elements. It starts in the Closed Session where there seems to be some intent to realign the Public Works department. A realignment of sorts was implemented a few months ago when a portion of the Public works group responsible for parks and recreation activities was transferred over to the Development and Leisure Services department. We’ll need to see what eventually is decided.

There are a couple of updates offered in the Deputations section (5.1, 5.3). A copy of the presentations is included the full agenda package for those who are interested and won’t be able to attend the meeting. I’m most interested in the status and plans for the generation station rebuild.

The Public Works department is planning to purchase a street sweeper for a little more than $200K (9.2.1). All that salt and sand used on the roads that hasn’t yet washed away and polluted the soil and water needs to be swept up.

There is also the issue of signs, there are a number of permits up for approval (9.3.3, 9.3.4, 9.3.7). Until the Town decides to develop a comprehensive sign policy in terms of ‘taste’ and consistency we will continue to look like a cheap south of the border ‘tourist town’.

The big item on the agenda is a Direction to draft a by-law permitting an ATV thoroughfare through Parry Sound (9.3.6). I support this first step initiative and feel that a future accommodation needs to be made for Town of Parry Sound residents who have an ATV and will be unable to access the thoroughfare. Let’s start with this and then see what needs to be done next rather than get it perfect the first time around.

Closed Meeting Agenda

d) labour relations or employee negotiations (2 Performance Reviews, Public Works Department Realignment) 

Correspondence

4.1 – Barbara Fisher, resident. Re. Town Dock Gazebo. Ms. Fisher is asking Council to consider asking Cedarland Homes to pay for the repair of the existing town dock gazebo instead of new construction.

4.2 – Gail Campbell, resident. Re. Town dock Gazebo. Ms. Campbell supports the new town dock gazebo and suggested using metal materials to cut down on maintenance and increase durability. Photos of cupolas, weather vanes and roofing options, attached.

Deputations

5.1 – Chris Litschko, Chief Executive Officer, Lakeland Holding Ltd. Update on Cascade Generation Station upgrade.

5.2 – Anne Bossart, resident. Heritage Preservation.

5.3 – Vanessa Backman, Parry Sound Tourism (Explorer’s Edge). An update and overview of Parry Sound Tourism.

Resolution & Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – Participation in MFOA Pilot Project – Long Term Financial Planning Tool. Resolution. Whereas the Council of the Town of Parry Sound recognizes the need for long term financial planning to ensure financial stability and proper planning; and Whereas the Municipal Finance Officers Association of Ontario (MFOAO) is providing a pilot project to test the scalability of a long-term financial planning tool developed by the Town of Petrolia; and Whereas the Town of Parry Sound has been asked to be the pilot municipality to determine the scalability of this tool; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council for the Town of Parry Sound hereby endorses its participation in this project.

9.2.1 – Tender – Public Works Road Sweeper. Resolution. That Council accept the tender from Joe Johnson Equipment for one used model Elgin Pelican road sweeper in the amount of $202,000., including delivery and trade-in of one 1995 Elgin Pelican road sweeper, this tender being the lowest tender of three tenders received for used model road sweepers.

9.3.1 – Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) – Treetops Community Forest. Resolution. That Council authorize the submission of an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant application for the purchase of property for the purpose of developing a naturalized park – Treetops Community Forest – contributing to the Town’s trail development inventory per the Trails Master Plan; and That the Town make an offer to purchase the property, conditional upon receipt of approval of the OTF grant application and sufficient funds having been raised through fundraising efforts to cover the full purchase price and legal fees.

9.3.3 – 117 Bowes Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a second standard sign on the premise of 117 – 121 Bowes Street according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.4 – 31 Joseph Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a standard sign on the Joseph Street Road allowance according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.3.5 – Consent Application – B/7/2016 (PS) (Harris – 15 Parry Sound Drive). Resolution. That Consent Application No. B7/2016(PS) – Harris – 15 Parry Sound Drive, be supported.

9.3.6 – ATV Thoroughfare. Direction. That upon the recommendation of the Trails Master Plan Steering Committee, notice be posted that the Town intends to bring forward a By-law which will permit ATVs to access a thoroughfare per the route attached as Schedule “A”; and That this be considered as a one-year pilot and a report be brought back to Council November 2016, and March of 2017. Unfortunately, the referenced Schedule A does not appear to be attached to the full agenda package.

9.3.7 – 14-18 James Street – Application – Council Approved Sign. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized and directed to issue a permit for a sign attached to the building known as 14-18 James Street according to the Conditions in Schedule “A” attached.

9.6.1 – 2017 Strategic Priorities Budget Meeting. Direction. That a Special Meeting of Council be called on _________, 2016 to discuss the Strategic Priorities for the 2017 budget.

I won’t be attending the meeting this Tuesday and look forward to reviewing the minutes later this week. The full agenda package is available though the links at the top of this page.

I Hope the Last One Out Turns Off the Lights (Parry Sound in Colour)

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